An Ordinary Week...at last!

 Well we survived the winter storm and its aftermath! We had water restrictions for about a week after things thawed out. We were asked to only use what was necessary and boil any that was used for consumption. So Dennis missed yet another week of working on the house. He couldn’t paint because of the water needed to clean up brushes, etc. He couldn’t cut/lay tile because it requires the use of water. Plus we tried not to do anything that would get us all sweaty and stinky, since we were having to forego showers. I am very thankful that I had plenty of disposable washcloths that I had bought back when we were taking care of Daddy! We also had plenty of hand sanitizer, thanks to COVID-19. We finally got the “all clear” on Friday, and there was much rejoicing in the land! Dennis started back working on the bathroom yesterday and has the crown molding painted, installed, and caulked. Next to do…floor tile!

My shoulder is still improving. It is a little tender at times, but I’m able to do almost anything with it. I still have to be careful of trying to lift too much weight. Dennis took out my stitches on the day that I was originally supposed to go to the doctor (but had to postpone due to the weather). That really helped! Stitches are quite uncomfortable. I finally did see the doctor last Tuesday, and he was thrilled with my progress. He walked into the room, told me to give him a high-five, and was shocked when I actually did it. I began my PT today. They did my assessment and then led me through a few mild exercises. I’ll start going twice a week beginning Monday. The therapist was amazed at my recovery. I’m already much further along than most are well into their therapy. I’m very excited about getting my range of motion back to normal (I hope!). I didn’t have any real pain during the therapy, and my shoulder is just mildly sore from the “workout”. I am so very thankful that I’ve had such an easy time with this!

Dennis and I were finally called in to receive our COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday. We go back on March 26 for our second dose. So we should be good to have Nam sleepovers again by early April! We are SO ready!!! Both of our arms got really sore after the shot. Dennis’ lasted about 8-10 hours. He felt fine when he got up Saturday morning. Mine started after his and lasted longer. I was tired and sore most of the day Saturday. I could tell it was getting better around suppertime. I felt perfectly fine by Sunday morning. Most of our bunch at church that plan to get vaccinated have had their first shot, and several have had their second already. By time we all have received our second shot, we’ll basically have “herd immunity” in our congregation. I’m very much looking forward to a more active social life!

Dennis and I spent a good hour or two getting our new internet equipment set up Sunday afternoon. Our provider had emailed me that we were due for an upgrade in equipment, which would be mailed to us. It came Saturday. It was easy to hook up but a hassle, as always, to get it activated! I spent about an hour on the phone with the technician, who was obviously in a country half-way around the world, so communication was not the greatest. When he finally got everything done on his end, he said that it would be online in 17 minutes without me having to do a thing. About 30 minutes later (and having to unplug the router and plug it in again), it finally showed up on our devices. Then we had to connect 3 computers, 2 phones, 2 TVs and our printer…then package up the old equipment to ship back to the company. I really don’t like messing with electronics! Dennis joked that we were getting pretty good at it. I told him, “No, we are just barely competent!” The sad thing about it is that I know it will just get harder as we get older.

It was brought to my attention yesterday that some people still want us to have a memorial for Daddy. It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of his passing (on the 21^st). I still want to wait until everyone is comfortable being in a crowd, so I’m thinking (maybe) around the end of May would be a good time. His 91^st birthday would have been on May 26. I’m waiting awhile to make any plans to see how things go. It will be an informal gathering at HC, with probably a potluck afterwards. I’ll let everyone who is interested know more when we make plans. I don’t personally feel a “need” for one, but it will be nice to see folks again!

Well, I am really enjoying having a normal week! I hope that things have settled down and gotten back to normal for all of you after the disruption of the arctic storm! Take care and be kind!